I absolutely agree with Diki and Chas about listening to music that we want to perform. Music is an aural art form after all. Have you ever tried to learn a language just from a book? It doesn't work!

Books won't hurt though, they can help you learn things like grammar, syntax, form and analysis ( both in music and language)


Even though I am a somewhat proficient music reader, I try to learn everything by ear first. Sometimes I even transcribe the parts for later reference or analysis.

Just this morning while taking a walk I listened and scatted along with this Chalice Parker recording ( I didn't look at the notation) Later when I got home, I sat at the piano and SLOWLY picked out the head/melody- by ear. It helped that I knew the changes, and what notes logical "fit" over certain chords.

After several listens this song going to be stuck in my mind for a long time, which is a good thing!